My '31 Coupe developed a shudder and it turns out the rubber ball for the rod steel ball had rotted. The steel ball looks good, so I have ordered the stock stamped steel socket kit. With the radius rod hanging, there isn't clearance to remove the old cast upper socket.

Is it OK to force it down just enough to let me slide the old piece off the bolts?

I don't think either of the ball retainers are supposed to be cast. I believe they were stamped. I have several sets that I am pretty sure are original parts and they are stamped. They are like Bratton's PN 4630. Using the original type of radius rod socket retainers might help your problem.
Rusty Nelson